Lanthorn Beacon 20x100 binoculars, with tripod adapter
20x magnification · 100 mm objectives · 3.0° field
$1,349
Catalog preview. Not available for purchase.
- Package
- With tripod adapter
- Optics
- ED glass, fully multi-coated
- Armor
- Slate gray armor
- Edition
- 2024 edition
Specifications
| Magnification | 20x |
|---|---|
| Objective diameter | 100 mm |
| True field of view | 3.0° |
| Exit pupil | 5.0 mm |
| Dawes limit | 1.16 arcsec |
| Limiting magnitude | 12.0 |
| Eye relief | 17 mm |
| Close focus | 25.0 m |
| Prisms | BaK-4 Porro |
| Weather sealing | Waterproof, nitrogen-purged |
| Weight | 4,500 g |
| Package | With tripod adapter |
| Optics | ED glass, fully multi-coated |
| Armor | Slate gray armor |
| Edition | 2024 edition |
Description
The Beacon 20x100 is a giant astronomy binocular with 100 mm objectives and 20x magnification. With about 1.6 times the light-collecting area of an 80 mm binocular, it shows deep-sky objects in both eyes at once with a brightness close to that of a 4-inch telescope.
At 20x, the Beacon 20x100 resolves globular clusters such as M13 and M92 toward their cores, shows the spiral shape of M33 under dark skies, and separates the members of galaxy groups such as M65, M66, and NGC 3628. The 3-degree true field still fits the whole Double Cluster with space around it, and the 5 mm exit pupil keeps the image bright.
The body is a rigid cast-aluminum frame with individually focused eyepieces, which keeps the two sides in alignment and seals out moisture. The BaK-4 prisms show round exit pupils, and all air-to-glass surfaces are multi-coated. Dew shields at the objective end slow dew formation on humid nights.
At 4.5 kg, the Beacon 20x100 needs a heavy-duty tripod or a fork mount designed for large binoculars. Its integrated mounting plate has two threaded holes and fits most photo heads and binocular mounts. Because the eyepieces point straight out, a reclining chair or a low tripod setting makes high targets more comfortable.
Individual focus means each eyepiece is set once for your eyes and then left alone for the night. The Beacon 20x100 suits observers who want a two-eyed view of deep-sky objects and who have a permanent place to set it up.
Plan the setup before your first night. A fork mount with altitude and azimuth clutches lets you aim the binocular smoothly, and a counterweighted parallelogram mount keeps the eyepieces at a fixed height as you move from the horizon to higher targets.
About this configuration
All configurations of the Lanthorn Beacon 20x100 binoculars share the same magnification and objective size; the options below change the package and finish. The included tripod adapter lets you fix the binoculars to a photo tripod for steadier, more relaxed views. With the adapter on a tripod, hand shake disappears, which makes faint stars and close double stars easier to see. The ED version adds low-dispersion glass and full multi-coating for sharper star images toward the edge of the field.
Slate gray armor uses a slightly harder rubber compound that resists scuffs from tripod clamps and cases. This is the 2024 edition, which revised the focus wheel and the strap attachment points of the Beacon line. Compare the exit pupil in the specifications with your sky conditions and your age, since both affect how bright the view looks.
What's in the box
- Binoculars with integrated mounting plate
- Objective and eyepiece caps
- Hard carrying case with foam insert
- L-shaped tripod adapter
Compatibility notes
- The mounting plate has 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 threads for heavy photo heads and binocular mounts.
- Needs a tripod or mount rated for at least 6 kg.